Left Solomons on the 20^thand headed to Rock Hall, MD.  There is a free city dock in Rock Hall – “free” is a Looper’s favorite word.   The comments online said the free docks were good except if there are winds from the South.  As we approached our destination, I check for the update on winds for the night.  No surprise – they were coming from the South.  Skipped Rock Hall and headed to Oxford – another quaint town.  Planned to anchor. “Man makes plans and God laughs.”  We tried to anchor in several places, but couldn’t get the anchor to catch. We finally moved to an outside location and DID anchor for the night.  All by ourselves – nice and quiet.  

In the morning we woke up and there were several fishing boats and they were putting out crab pots ALL around us!  Ugh.  Time to move. There is a day dock in Oxford and we hadn’t seen a single boat dock there – probably too early in the season. Decided we were going to tie up for the day and night – figured no one was checking.  

• 

A little later in the day we unloaded our bikes and rode around town.  Found the Cutts & Case boat yard that works on wooden boats – some people bring them from as far as England!  We got a personal tour and saw some beautiful boats that have been lovingly restored.  Such craftsmanship is a rarity.  Then we found the real bonanza in town – a great ice cream store!  Later we took the ferry over to the next island where we had about an 8 mile ride to St. Michaels Island.  Lovely area – yet another quaint little town with some kind of American war story of how they fought the British.  

• 

Note: we talked to some locals after we had tied up at the ferry dock. They asked if we were the ones anchored the day before in an area adjacent to the dock. Yes, we had temporarily anchored there, but had decided to move to another location. They said it was a good thing we had moved, because boats that anchored there are usually found on shore the next morning! Apparently the sandy bottom shifts there and anchors do not hold well. Yeah- good to know!

• 

• 

On to the Sassafras River – a lovely winding river.  Docked overnight and filled up on fuel.  No reason to dwell on the fuel bills – best that we suppress those thoughts!  Moved on to the C & D canal which connects the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay. Beautiful day for a boat ride. We ended up at the Delaware City Marina which is located in another canal.  Interesting marina;  it is a long dock that runs down one side of the canal.  When we got to our location, the dock hands took our lines and turned us around in place so that we would face the EXIT direction. Very unique.  

• 

• 

Each day at 4 PM, the marina owner gives a briefing on what the weather is for the next day in the Delaware Bay.  Typically, Loopers will run the Bay in one day.  He is very knowledgeable about the Bay conditions and is gracious to share that with others.  First day’s briefing was a no brainer – the following day was “no go.”  Winds and currents would be wild.  Second day’s briefing was a “maybe” – there was a window of opportunity in the early morning, but he said there was a caveat – the weather pattern can sometimes shift ahead or back.  Shift it did – moved ahead.  Four boats decided to go anyway – not us.  One returned – too rough.  The others made it safely, but did not have a pleasant ride. One indicated that the waves were coming over the bow.  The next day – beautiful glassy start and then gently rolling waves took us in to Cape May, NJ for Memorial Day weekend.  What a difference a day makes.  Of course the crazies were out in full force when we entered the channel for Cape May – zipping at high speeds past other boats.  The weekend boaters need a few boating courtesy lessons. We were glad to get docked. Met up with 17 other Looper Boats in town. We are no longer ahead of the pack, we are IN the pack!